News

1st February 2011

Although I am writing this in early January it is probably February when you are reading it, but it is still winter whichever way you look at it!

The winter months are the time when any shortcomings in our building structures begin to show themselves, and our churches are no exception. St. Mary’s church of course, has to be monitored closely because of age and quite often there is something that needs repairing or replacing.

We also like to improve facilities and over recent times have installed toilets and replaced the heating system. At St. Andrew’s the hall roof has had a constant problem with water leaks, but there has been significant work done on repairs by Church members that has been successful thus far. Of ca0ourse all this comes at a price, and like all of us these days there are not a lot of funds about. The PCC is responsible for overseeing the parish finances and quite often it is a tricky balancing act to ensure money is spent wisely.

February brings us Valentine’s Day Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. I seem to recall that the number of pancakes I ate as a young man, far outnumbered the amount of valentine cards I received. I used to thing “What’s the point of a valentine card if you don’t sign your name in it?”. Then, I was never much of a romantic as my wife will tell you.

Love is difficult to describe, don’t you think? Love comes at a price too. In the Church we believe God loves each and every person in the world, warts and all. We also believe He is there for us, all of us, 24 /7 if we need him.

John Woodrow – Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre PCC member.


1st January 2011

A new year – a new dawn or a new start for some, same ole same ole might be the thinking of many. However we have the Olympics, a huge sporting event with fantastic tradition, and its happening right here. Let us hope and pray that the occasion later this year brings everything we hope for, great competition, historical moments and a coming together of nations in friendly rivalry like we have never known before.

The PCC are required to prepare what’s called a ‘Parish profile’ to assist with the appointment of a new Church of England minister for our parish. The profile will detail much of our churches and the parish, and it may help prospective candidates to decide whether it is a job that might suit them. So, the process of providing new ministry for our parish continues, and I will try and keep you posted with progress.

Winter is upon us and many will be colder and more hungry than others because they have very little money and struggle to make ends meet. As Christians , we must make efforts to help any situations of hardship in practical ways if we can, not least through our giving. I know many will be bombarded by charities asking for our money, and of course we can’t give to all, but at least we can prayerfully consider where and when we do give. God loves a cheerful giver!

John Woodrow – Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre PCC Member


1st December 2011

Well, it’s that time again soon – love it or not, you can’t avoid it!

Christmas in our churches will bring a little added pressure to the PCC, our church wardens in particular, as they strive to ensure all our services take place as usual. This of course, because we still await the appointment of a new minister. Much is talked about the ‘commercialisation’ of Christmas and in these times of austerity many will find it difficult to pay for all the things they would like to. For Christians of course, Christmas is a special celebration, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. There will be occasions to celebrate Christmas at all the churches in our parish, so why not take the opportunity to join us at one of the services. Hopefully they are well publicised, (probably in ‘In Touch’) You can always phone me on 01245 224037 if you would like know about our services.

In November we will have had a remembrance service at St Mary’s church. To quote from Wikipedia, Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day (or Veterans Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty since World War I.

Whatever any of us think or not think about war, and the justification or otherwise for it, the fact remains that soldiers lose their lives during wartime and families are devastated. Many soldiers will have been conscripts, others volunteers. The Christian church believes that God loves every single human being, and that of course will include all those in our armed forces. Church services held throughout the commonwealth on remembrance Sunday give us all an opportunity to take time out to remember all those who have perished while engaged in war.

John Woodrow – Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre Parochial Church Council Member



1st November 2011

I can’t believe it is time to write another update; a month goes by so quickly. Services at both of our churches have continued with a mixture of visiting leaders and church members, (all organised by Rev Mary Cottee before she retired – what a treasure she is).

If you didn’t know, the church hall at St.Andrews is available for hire. In recent times we have had to carry out some quite hefty maintenance to the roof, both inside & out, which has given the hall a new lease of life. I can remember when it was placed in situ in 1985, transported from Maldon, and lifted by crane in 2 or 3 bits- or more- over the top of nearby houses. It was originally a demountable owned by Maldon Council . It replaced a much smaller hall that was on the site. If you wish to enquire about hiring our hall please call me on 01245 224037.

The church strives to be active in a positive way within our community, and  one way in which we do this is through the St Andrews  Pastoral Care Team, that offers help and support locally, in the form of visiting and providing lifts for people who need it.  More details can be found on this website, including contact numbers.

So our church life at St.Marys and St Andrews continues in this time of vacancy. Our Harvest Service was held at St.Marys, and included a baptism. The talk was about the work of ‘Compassion’, a charity that supports  child development and child advocacy ministry. At St Andrews there have been talks/sermons on listening to God, and how this can often best be done after we have prayed to Him. I know many of us will pray about something every now and then, and if you do, rather than getting on with life immediately, give it couple of seconds in the quiet – you might just be surprised.

John Woodrow – Parish of Woodham Ferrers & Bicknacre PCC Member